WHAT IS DOG FLU?
Just like in humans, canine influenza is a highly infectious respiratory disease. Though dogs don’t have any natural immunity to the bug, the good news is that most pups who contract the flu will usually only have a mild version.
However, if left untreated, it can develop into pneumonia and at that point, can become dangerous.
There are two main strains of canine flu in the U.S. The first, canine influenza H3N8, was identified as a contagious dog disease in 2004 when an outbreak occurred in racing Greyhounds in Florida. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), this strain developed from an equine infection that was discovered 40 years ago and recently hopped species to dogs. Within a year of its discovery, cases had appeared in Florida and New York City.
The second type of flu virus—H3N2—is of bird origin. This one was first detected in dogs in South Korea in 2007, where it spread to China, Thailand, and Canada. It appeared for the first time in the U.S. in 2015, when an outbreak occurred in Chicago and quickly spread to the rest of the U.S.
This virus, which has also spread to cats, is the one causing most concern within the pet community.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DOG FLU?
The main symptoms of dog flu are basically the same as in humans:
- persistent cough (dry or moist)
- sneezing
- rapid breathing
- nasal discharge
- eye discharge
- fever
- lethargy
- difficulty breathing
- lack of appetite
However, doctors warn that dogs may be contagious, but not present symptoms up to ten days after infection, so it’s best to be highly vigilant if there’s an outbreak nearby.
Brachycephalic dogs—more commonly recognized for their “smushed-in” faces—, like Pekingese, Boston Terriers, and Bulldogs, can be more susceptible to developing complications, because of the anatomy of their respiratory tract.
Most cases of dog flu are mild and up to 20 to 25 percent won’t even manifest symptoms. Still, dog owners should definitely take precautions to ensure their dogs don’t contract influenza. But bear in mind that less than ten percent of cases are fatal, even with severe infections.
Puppies and elderly dogs are most at risk for developing more serious complications. The chances of infection are close to 100% if a dog is exposed, especially since most dogs in the U.S. haven’t been vaccinated or previously infected.
HOW IT AFFECTS DOGS IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. OR TRAVELLING OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.
The CDC only allows healthy dogs t0 enter the United States, which is why those who look sick may be denied entry or need to be evaluated further by a veterinarian before they enter the U.S. at the owner’s expense. If the dog dies in transit to the United States, the CDC might require a necropsy.
Other federal agencies, such as the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Veterinary Services (USDA APHIS VS), also collaborate with the CDC to protect U.S. borders against animal-borne diseases. The USDA APHIS VS has animal health requirements related to bringing a dog into the United States from a foreign country.
There are separate requirements for importing dogs for the purpose of commercial sale or adoption, which can be found under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Dogs brought into the U.S. for sale or adoption must be in good health, receive rabies and distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus (DHLPP) vaccines and be at least six months of age.
They must travel with a health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate in English. Both must be issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, and an import permit issued by USDA APHIS.
Dogs that handle livestock imported from certain countries may be inspected and quarantined at the port of entry to rule out tapeworm infection. USDA APHIS VS has separate requirements for dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm and Foot and Mouth Disease is known to occur.
Each state’s Department of Agriculture may have separate and additional requirements. Be sure to check for any extra requirements. In addition, check with the airline the dog will travel with because airlines may have other specific requirements.
HOW TO TREAT DOG FLU
Although there is no cure for dog flu, treatment depends on the severity of the infection. If it seems like a pup may be infected, he or she should be taken to the vet as soon as possible to determine if it’s the flu or another infection with similar symptoms. Canine influenza testing is available. Most dogs with the flu recover within two to three weeks.
Dog Flu Supportive Treatment
For mild cases, veterinarians will probably recommend supportive treatment, just like for human influenza:
- lots of fluids
- bed rest
- monitoring
- quarantine for at least 21 days, in a multi-pet household, for dogs infected with the H3N2 strain
For more serious cases, they’ll probably prescribe some cough medication, and antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection develops.
Dog Flu Hospital Treatment
A severely ill dog, however, may require hospitalization for more intensive care with intravenous fluids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fevers, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy.
HOW MUCH DOES THE CANINE VACCINATION FOR INFLUENZA COST?
The vaccinations for canine influenza cost around $100 and many doctors are recommending preventative shots for dogs that spend a lot of time around other pets, like show dogs, dogs that attend daycare or board regularly.
These are administered through two shots, spaced two to four weeks apart, and then an additional seven-day waiting period for a dog to actually be protected from the flu.
During the first week after each shot, the vaccinated dog will have his immunological system suppressed, which can make it more likely it can catch some other, unrelated disease.
Note: One option to help offset the costs of dog flu is obtaining pet insurance from trusted companies.
CAN HUMANS CATCH CANINE INFLUENZA?
There has been no evidence that canine influenza has spread to humans anywhere in the world. This is the reason why the CDC does not consider canine influenza to have pandemic potential and why current CDC influenza virus regulations do not apply to canine influenza strains.
The CDC is continually monitoring the possibility, so owners can feel free to give their dogs lots of love and care.
PREVENTION
Dog flu is airborne and highly contagious, which is why it tends to spread among dogs housed in kennels and shelters.
It can be transmitted through respiratory secretions produced during coughing, sneezing, or barking and contact with contaminated surfaces or items, such as shared toys and even human clothing.
Humans can take the following precautions to prevent propagation:
- Hand-washing – Hands can be contagious for up to 12 hours. Wash the arms as well.
- Change clothes – Clothing can carry the virus for up to 24 hours.
- Clean equipment and the pet’s favorite areas – Surfaces can keep the virus alive and infectious for up to 48 hours.
The first two- to four-day period of viral shedding is the most infectious, and it decreases after the fourth day, but dogs with H3N8 remain contagious for up to 10 days after exposure, and dogs with H3N2 can infect others for up to 26 days after exposure.
Even asymptomatic dogs can still spread the disease. Dog owners should keep their pet away from public areas like pet parks, kennels, doggy hotels, groomers, and even high-traffic vet offices where cases have been recently reported.
To prevent infection, limit the pup’s contact with other dogs, but if he or she must absolutely be taken somewhere, be sure to ask if the area has had cases of canine influenza, and what preventative measures are being taken.